Ray Thornton
For the most part, we know how Texas is going to line up defensively next season. The secondary brings back a load of experience, headlined by cornerbacks D’Shawn Jamison and Josh Thompson. Although he is dealing with a shoulder injury, DeMarvion Overshown will lead the linebacking core, while Alfred Collins and Keondre Coburn will lead up the middle.
Replacing Joseph Ossai at the jack position leaves the biggest question. Ossai’s 15.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks are rightfully going to get him drafted within the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Before hitting the transfer portal, there was no direct answer as a replacement. Enter LSU‘s Ray Thornton.
Roschon Johnson has spoken on how well Thornton has looked throughout spring practice. Despite not playing a significant role during his time in Baton Rouge, he is going to be a critical part of Texas’ defensive success during the 2021 season.
Seeing Thornton go up against the first tackles in live action will show us how good of hands the pass rush is in.